Anyone can be a boss. It’s only a matter of titles but being more than a nameplate on a desk is a different story. To be a great boss, you have to be a great leader. We’d all like to think we’re better than the office terrors of tales we’ve heard of, the ones we’ve had before or one you’re working for right now. How do you know for sure how good a boss you are? The one sure way of measurement is observing the ones working for you. Are these signs present?
Your team acts as a team
This means you have good dynamics. You and your members know how to work together. They understand the goals, are proactive and know where each fits in the team’s overall strategy. Every person is aware of the collective efforts needed to meet set objectives and does their part diligently. They also practice open communication, not hesitating to throw in their ideas, opinions and air out their concerns and present hurdles when things don’t go accordingly to plan.
Each member is confident in their own skills and potential
As the leader, you have to appreciate the presence of each member and get to know “what makes them tick and what makes them stick,” as the saying goes. Part of this is motivating them and knowing how to do that for each one. Some may prefer monetary rewards, while others desire recognition and public praise. There are those who feel a quiet pat on the back is worth more than verbal applause and others still find small tokens of appreciation such as cookies or free tickets to a game as more rewarding.
Your employees see you as fair
This can be tricky as it may depend on personal views and case-to-case basis but one way of practicing equal treatment is by submitting each person to similar criteria for evaluation. For example, when conducting tests for illegal use of drugs, ensure that the tools and methods are similar for everyone. If one person is submitted to a marijuana blood test, then other members should go through the same. Using home drug test kits may be viable as long as you see to it that the company purchases those of good quality. Being fair also means knowing when to make exceptions. If any member is sick or undergoing a physical change, such as pregnancy, consult with professionals whether this would affect test results and what a better course of action would be.
Workers are challenged to improve themselves
Your subordinates don’t see themselves as simply part of a hierarchy but an important piece to a machine. Leaders must ensure team members feel valued. Let them know they contribute to an organization’s endeavors to contribute to society. Set realistic goals that push them to do more. When they see the importance of their work and their own potential, they will actively strive for high quality results and seek ways to improve while keeping an eye out for other gaps they can help fill.
The team knows you have their back
They’re confident that you represent their best interests and are unbiased when making judgment. Team members know your criticism is meant to be constructive and you’re doing your best to make management direction and employee views meet. Never play favorites and avoid engaging in office politics. The team needs to see they can be open with you without worrying about becoming tomorrow’s juiciest office gossip.
